New life can be given to a piece of furniture, your kitchen cabinets, a deck, or anything else you come across with staining wood.You might not know how to proceed if the wood is already stained.There are a few simple guidelines that can help you decide if you need to strip the wood or just stain over the existing stain.
Step 1: If you can, remove drawers, doors, and hardware.
You'll be able to lay each component flat to stain it if you take apart the piece.You can cover the facing behind the doors and drawers and make sure you don't miss any spots.Taking off hardware will make sure they don't get coated with stain.
Step 2: You need to protect your work area.
You should cover your work area with a cloth, newspaper, or tarp because Stain is permanent.A drop cloth will help prevent grass from getting stuck in your stain while it's drying.
Step 3: You should wear gloves to protect your hands.
It can be difficult to remove stains from your skin.To make clean-up easy, wear a thin pair of gloves.In case some of the stain spills, you may want to wear old clothes that you don't mind getting messed up.
Step 4: If you are going from a dark color to a lighter one, you need to remove the existing stain.
The natural grain of the wood can be seen through most stains.You can't get a lighter color by applying a light stain over a dark stain.If you want to lighten the wood you're working with, you have to strip it first.If you want to create a lighter finish, you need to strip the wood first.A chemical stripper can be used to remove the original stain.
Step 5: If you want to stain the piece darker, leave the original stain in place.
If you're going from a light stain to a dark stain, there's no need to remove the existing stain first.The color of the finished product may be changed by the existing stain.
Step 6: You can lightly sand the surface of your project.
To rough up the surface of the wood, you don't have to sand much.Prepare your project with a P200-grit sandpaper.You should use a sanding block or sponge.If you sanded the wood to remove the stain, you don't need to sand it again.If you sand through the existing finish, you'll end up with a mess.
Step 7: If you want a darker finish, choose a gel stain, glaze or water-based stain.
The stains tend to result in a darker color.If you pick a dark shade, they can obscure the grain of the wood.The texture of the stains is different.If you don't know which one you prefer, you can ask an associate at your local home store to give you a small sample of each.
Step 8: If you want a more subtle change, choose an oil stain like Varathane.
If you want to preserve as much of the original wood grain as possible, oil stains are a good option.It's better if you just want to lighten the stain.
Step 9: A foam brush or cloth can be used to apply a thick coat of stain.
The foam brush or old cloth will help to minimize the brush strokes that show up in the stain.Thinner coats will allow the stain to absorb better into the wood.You can see the wood grain in the finished product if the stain absorbs into it.
Step 10: Use pads to wipe away excess stain.
A uniform coat of the stain may take a few passes with the pads.Look at the wood from different angles to make sure you don't leave any streaks.There are staining pads designed for this purpose.They aren't made to leave streaks in the stain.It can be hard to get a darker finish if you leave a little of the excess stain.
Step 11: Allow the stain to cure for up to 24 hours.
The manufacturer's instructions for how long to let the stain dry may not be the same as they were in the past.You won't get a smooth coat if it's not dry.
Step 12: If needed, apply another coat of stain.
Multiple coats can obscure the grain of your wood, but a second coat can help you get a darker color if that's what you're after.The color of the stain can change as it dries, so let the first coat dry before you make a decision.If you only need to adjust the color a little, you can use a dye toner instead of a second coat.
Step 13: For a glossy finish, apply a water- or oil-based sealer.
A top coat will give you a glossy finish.Once the final coat is dry, apply it the same way as the stain.It is possible to protect your wood piece by making it more resistant to spills and stains.
Step 14: If you need to change the color, spray a dye over the stain.
A spray-on toners can help you change the color of your stain if you aren't happy with it.The manufacturer's instructions should be read before applying these.A thin wash of color will be given by a dye toner.If you have a red color, use a green dye.You can warm up the color with a red or orange dye.It will cause the color to become muddy.
Step 15: If you don't want to use a spray, adjust the color with a glaze.
If you don't want to use a spray toners, a pigmented glaze is another option.
Step 16: If you want to preserve the detail work on your wood, use a chemical stripper.
The details of a piece of wood can be destroyed by sanding it.A chemical stripper will remove the stain.If you are working on a large surface, chemical stripper is a good option.
Step 17: Work in aventilated area.
Chemicals are used to make chemical strippers.If you try to avoid breathing them in, it's still better to buy a brand that is pleasant.If you can't work outside, open the windows and doors.If you work on a day without a lot of wind, you may want to install box fans around your work area.
Step 18: You can cover the work area with a cloth.
If you are working on a surface that you don't want to ruin, you will need a tarp or cloth to protect it from being damaged by the chemicals you're using.The finish on your table or floors could be ruined if the chemical stripper spills or drips.If you don't have a tarp, use old, thick towels.
Step 19: Gloves and protective eyewear are required when working with these chemicals.
It's best to wear protective gear when working with corrosive chemicals.Gloves and eyewear can be used to protect you in the event of a spill.If you want to avoid burns, try not to get any stripper on your clothes.Even if you're working in a well-ventilated area, you may want to wear a dust mask.
Step 20: There is a piece of very fine steel wool.
The steel wool option requires less supplies than other methods for working with chemical strippers.You can use #000 or even #0000 depending on what you have on hand.The surface of your wood will be more smooth when you're done, but the process will take longer.You may need several packs of steel wool for your project.They are sold in packs of 6.Refinisher and steel wool can be purchased at home improvement stores.
Step 21: Rub the wood with steel wool in a circular motion.
Start buffing the wood in small sections once the steel wool is saturated.The surface should be wiped in a circular motion.You should be able to see the stain on the steel wool.When the stain starts to build up, switch to a new piece of steel wool.
Step 22: Continue until the stain is gone.
If you have trouble getting all of the stain off, you can use a wire brush or a small piece of sandpaper.Before staining the wood, let it dry completely.
Step 23: If you are only working with a small piece, you should sand the wood.
Sanding is a good option if you need to take off a lacquer top coat or stain a dark piece of wood.If you're working with a small piece of wood or a large flat surface, sanding is the fastest way to remove existing stain.If you don't want to work with chemicals, sanding is a good choice.
Step 24: Work from the rough to the fine.
Start with a rough piece of sandpaper, like a P80 grade, for the first pass over the wood, and then use a medium-grit, such as aP 150.You can finish with P 220.If you want to keep the surface of the wood clean, graduating to a fine sandpaper is the way to go.
Step 25: As you work, keep the sander flat.
Whether you're using an electric sander, a sanding block, or just a piece of sandpaper, hold the sandpaper so it's flat against the surface of your wood as you work.An even finish will be created by this.If you wear sand evenly into the wood, you can create a light spot that will show through the stain.
Step 26: You should wear a mask while sanding.
Although you won't be working with dangerous fumes while you're sanding, you will be putting a lot of small particles into the air and that can irritate your lungs if you breathe them in.A dust mask will help protect your airway.Where home improvement supplies are sold, you can usually find dust masks.
Step 27: To remove dust from the wood, wipe it down with a wet cloth.
You'll want to make sure you don't leave any dust on the wood after you're done sanding.It will get caught in the stain and cause a rough finish.